One of the most recognizable sites in Sydney, nothing can actually prepare you for the size and beauty of the bridge. There are pedestrian and cycle paths and for those on the adventurous side, take a shot at the Bridge Climb.

You must be age 10 or over and you must be in good physical condition. The climb took over 3 hours; a good chunk of my day. Also wear running shoes for comfort and traction.

First me and my group, around 10 to 12 people, were herded into a small room where we had to sign our lives away and given a breathalyzer test. We were instructed to empty all pockets and to remove jewelry. We were escorted into the changing room where we put the jumpsuit on over our regular clothes. The jumpsuits zip all the way up to your neck and there’s elastic on the sleeves and legs. Finally you pass through a metal detector before you are turned over to your climb guide. Ours was Sasha, who showed us how to put our tether belt on. This belt would keep us connected to the bridge at all times.

Rain was in the forecast so we attached hats, a rain jacket and a fleece jacket to our belts. The jackets were sewn into packs, like parachutes. From here we did a practice climb on a replica of the bridge ladders. Finally we were given our military-issue headphones. Then we went to the start of the climb and tethered ourselves. Once tethered, we couldn’t change places.

First we had to walk to the southeast tower, where the ladders were that would take us up. From the tower we had to snake through some narrow passages before we approached the ladders. We had to climb 4 ladders and I told myself I wouldn’t have to do my workout today. We were now on the stop arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Walking up the arch was like walking up stairs; very gradual with hand rails on both sides. Perfectly safe. This was also our first glimpse of the city and the Sydney Opera House. Sasha began pointing out the landmarks and explaining what many of the things we saw were, not just the opera house, but the ferry terminal and several small islands (former penal colonies) in the harbor. We stopped many places along the arch so Sasha could take digital photos. We were not allowed to bring cameras, just another thing to drop on the traffic below, so Sasha took all photos. Soon we were near the top and we could see the climbing group ahead of us and the one coming behind us. The bridge was crowded!At the top, we crossed the middle girder that marked the highest point on the climb (134m / 440ft).

Now we were on the west side arch and made our way down. We had now arrived at the second set of ladders that will take us back under the bridge where we started. From here we detached from the tether and were able to walk freely back into the Bridge Climb building were we cleaned up our headphones, turned in our gear and received our free climb certificate.

After the Opera House, this is generally the second of Sydney's icons that visitors make for.

It stands at the tip of the city as it extends into the harbour. The area around it is one of the most historically important in Australia - the much vaunted 'The Rocks'. An age old rookery of thieves and ne'er do wells. Nowadays it has been gentrified almost to the point where it looks like a theme park with its glitzy boutiques, hotels and restaurants. But its a nice place to sit in the sunshine, order a barramundi and take a sip of a good Australian shiraz.

Most people approach the bridge from the half-moon of Circular Quay. But the main thoroughfare of George Street extends all the way through "The Rocks" until it passes under the bridge. The Bridge itself is entered from the south/CBD by the Bradfield Highway, a motorway that takes you to Sydney's northern suburbs. King George V Memorial Park stands under this highway and also has the entrance to the Bridge Climb. This is expensive at $110 Australian dollars and although I didn't partake I could view them from below taking the "riggers" route and looking tiny against the bulk of the bridge. My friend says you are not allowed to take your own camera up with you in case you drop it on passing cars below. Therefore you have to pay for a "group photo" for $24.

A good place to spot them slowly inching up the arch of the bridge is at the northern point of Dawes Point Park. Its a lovely paved promenade dotted with palm trees overlooking the water. The underside of the bridge is hundreds of feet above you, and the support pylons look like castles. If you need confirmation that the bridge was a engineering marvel then this is the place to come. Incidentally, Sydney was still paying for this bridge until 1988.

As mentioned, the bridge stands at the tip of "The Rocks." They have taken a great deal of care in renovating 'The Rocks' in what was until the seventies one of Sydney's roughest districts. But in many ways they have polished away its former ambience. It had a notoriously rakish past with brawling, press-ganging and low-life taverns—and it takes some work in the minds eye to imagine. Most of its 19th-century streets are well preserved—shops have original facades, etc. Some of the past dangerous alleyways, those once home to sailor muggings and robberies, now house opal shops, designer boutiques and "Aussie Teddy Bear" emporiums.

Despite the cuddly koalas and boomerangs this is an area worth exploring. Argyle Stores is still made of its original 18th-century sandstone and Wharf House steps is suitably old and creepy. But I think to get a full taste of "the Rocks" you must take a guided tour from the Tourist Information Centre. Then the legacy of Australia's oldest district comes startlingly to life.

1439. That’s the number of steps to reach the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge. 1439 reasons not to go. 1439 racing heartbeats. 1439 leg cramps.

Are you kidding? You’ve GOT to climb the bridge. It was one of my best Sydney experiences. The climb is actually not that difficult (if you’re scared of heights, it might make it worse). I did get winded a few times, but that’s what a two-week vacation from the gym will do to you.

Start by signing your life away and taking a breathalyzer test (don’t drink AT ALL that day). Then walk through the door and get assigned your highly fashionable climbing suit. You can wear one layer of clothing underneath, but bulky clothes have to be removed. If you go commando, I don’t want to know. You’re not allowed to wear watches, earrings bigger than a one-dollar coin, hairpins, etc –nothing to drop on the eight lanes of traffic below you.

Then, you meet your guide (ours was Nick, Melbourne-born and very cute, also quite a ham) you get your belt – this has the "latchy" that holds you onto the bridge. After strapping up, you go "shopping". Choose from a wrist-bound hanky, a scrunchy and/or hat, sunglass holders, etc. – EVERYTHING clips onto your stylish ensemble.

Next is a practice climb, "the second best Sydney view" Nick jokes. He tests us out here, making us lean right, then left, then kick. How far will his group go? What will they do? (For us, it turns out to be both the YMCA on the way up and the Chicken Dance on the way down.)

Before you get to the bridge, you’re given a radio for the guide commentary, and then you’re off.

Cross over the residential area, feel the rush of Australia’s busiest roadway below. Duck and goose-step your way through the first few railings, and then it’s up, up, up you go. (Lean back as you climb the stairs, so as not to hit your knees, but HOLD ON!)

Of course there are your tourist photo stops along the way, for purchase upon return (though one is included, as is a certificate.) When you reach the top, you really feel a sense of achievement as you admire the city and the harbor beneath you.

I had a special treat. My birthday was the next week, so the group sang to me, (and then we screamed like we were falling off!) Then I got to descend the bridge and watch a wonderful sunset.

You’re a bit of a celebrity when you climb, as people below wave to you and take your photo. Real celebrities have climbed too – Will Smith, Matt Damon, Bette Midler, and now ME!

This is a must-do! It cost me $135, and I booked way in advance (they sell out quickly). Twilight climbs cost more. Hint, if you can’t get a time through your agent or hotel, go to the office and ask, they often get last-minute spots.

You begin with an orientation, signing your life away, and taking a breathalyzer test. Next, you change into the climbing suits. Believe it or not, they match the color of the bridge so as not to take away from the bridge itself. I would suggest wearing very light clothing underneath the suit. You are then given the belt that attaches you to the bridge. You are then given time to practice on sample ladders and bridges.

The climb itself is a lot less strenuous than I thought it would be. The only hard part was the straight-up and -down ladders. The bridge itself has such a gradual rise, you barely notice that you are climbing. Also, because of the many photo opportunities along the way, you have plenty of time to catch your breath along the way.

You have headphones on the whole time, and the guide speaks to you through these. On our particular tour, we had a woman who has deaf. The guide was very understanding and allowed time for her husband to sign to her.

The views were spectacular, and I have a great picture of my husband and I with the Sydney Opera House in the background. You get one complimentary group photo with your climb price. The price itself is a bit steep. It was close to $200 per person in Australian dollars, but when will you ever get the chance to climb on a bridge again… unless that is your job.